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Canberra’s Sophie Lavers crowned Miss World Australia

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Sophie Lavers, a 24-year-old woman from Canberra, has been crowned Miss World Australia in Sydney. She defeated nineteen other finalists to take the prize and will represent Australia at the Miss World event in South Africa.

The entrants were judged based on several categories including best talent, healthy body image, sports and fitness and beauty with a purpose. An aspiring actress, she is completing an acting course and hopes to build a career in film and television. She is also a qualified fitness instructor and has worked as a Kings Cross waitress.

She has been described in the media as having an “amazing figure” and it has been rumoured that she has used this for modelling work. However, Lavers has said that her body has only been modelled for a good cause: “Some do think that, but I have only ever modelled for charity.”

She also doubts much will change for her, at least in the near future. “I’ll still get up and probably have peanut butter on toast for breakfast but after that I’m not sure what’s happening. I guess I won’t be going to work tomorrow.”

She explained that all the girls who entered were dedicated to making a difference. “I just think it’s like having little angels out there through the country helping in all different areas whether it’s with children, or blind people, or the homeless.” Lavers also complained that non-stop smiling for the event has left here mouth sore. “I’m not used to smiling for hours on end.”

Lavers is now set to head to Johannesburg for the December 12 global competition. “I’ve got to get a month of outfits ready and get a talent and another speech and everything. Oh goodness.”

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Education

Ergonomic Office Chairs Help Employees Avoid Back Injuries And Thereby Improve Output

By Peter Rivers

In the fullness of time while carrying out his job, an employee working at the office will have spent several hours sitting on the same office chair. This can be to a certain extent painful on the human body. The use of ergonomic office chairs designed to put a stop to recurring back sprain or other kinds of back injuries and is therefore very much suggested. Even while sitting, a person’s muscles have to work incessantly to hold up the body and it’s mass.

As soon as an individual is standing, weight is spread evenly all along the lumbar of the spinal column. In addition, blood circulation around the spinal cord is unhindered and unconstrained. On the other hand, as soon as the person is sitting in a crouched or angled posture, the lumbar in the backbone happen to be compressed and at an unusual angle. This can bring about too much pressure on the back’s vertebral column over an extensive span of time. This is what puts pressure on the back muscles and causes lower back ache.

With the purpose of correcting inappropriate position, ergonomic computer/office chairs include a lumbar back support that compels the backbone into keeping right sitting pose. Besides, ergonomic office chairs as well have personal controls that let the suspension, height, lumbar support, and tilt to be adjusted separately to go with a person’s individual requirements allowing for more comfort and right sitting posture.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUuKlm4be0g[/youtube]

In view of the fact that an individual usually does not budge when they are sitting, blood circulation is constrained around the backbone. The blood vessels are unable to carry necessary vitamins as well as nutrients to the spinal column of the back. In due course, the lack of nutrients can cause the backbone to turn into stiff and calcified. With a reduction in flexibility of the backbone, the chance of sustaining a back injury increases to a great extent.

Office chairs or computer chairs that are ergonomically designed are usually made from breathable materials, for instance mesh, and hard-wearing materials, for instance leather, to ensure the comfort of the individual sitting on it. On the other hand, it is very important that a person takes care that their chair is not excessively soft, as this can cause a lack of support for the backbone. Technical researches have confirmed that the use of suitably adjusted ergonomic computer or office chairs supports movement; in this manner, bring down the likelihood of pain, back abnormalities and stress to nerves and muscles.

The above mentioned benefits of ergonomic office chairs have lead to businesses invest heavily in these chairs to improve employee output by curtailing their medical condition due to health problems arise from bad sitting posture. Besides, adding to their employee welfare these sitting arrangements confirm to the employees their company cares for them and are conscious of their health concerns, thereby, this will as well help bond employees to the company. Buying office chairs is as well easy with so many office furniture websites offering these at quite attractive rates. Start clicking the links below to know more about.

About the Author: Peter is an expert in the field. For more information on

computer chairs

and on

mesh office chairs

Please visit: http://www.mojodirect.com.au

Source:

isnare.com

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Uncategorized

South Korean workers protest against labour laws

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Thousands of workers in South Korea have staged protests to demonstrate against plans by the government to alter the labour laws in the country.

According to Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) figures, up to 150,000 people attended the protests, held on Saturday in the capital of Seoul, although the police estimated the smaller figure of 60,000.

Under the government’s new plans, it will start enforcing laws in 2010 to stop companies from giving wages to full-time representatives of unions, and will allow multiple unions for each individual workplace. Such plans have been delayed for a decade due to opposition from labour groups.

“We, the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, are here to defend the labour unions and labour movement in this land. We will thwart the government’s policy by mobilising every means possible. If necessary, we will stage a general strike,” said spokesman for FKTUK, Kang Choong-ho.

Riot police were present at the demonstrations; however, it was reported that there was no violence or clashes, and protesters later dispersed peacefully.

Media contacted the South Korean Labour Ministry seeking comment regarding the rally, but the Ministry did not immediately respond.

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Uncategorized

Author of My Billion Year Contract reflects on life in elite Scientology group

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Wikinews interviewed author Nancy Many about her book My Billion Year Contract, and asked her about life working in the elite Scientology group known as the “Sea Org“. Many joined Scientology in the early 1970s, and after leaving in 1996 she later testified against the organization. Published in October, Many’s book has gone on to become one of the top selling new books on Scientology at Amazon.com.

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Woman returns home with Christmas turkey, a month after setting out

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

A Scottish woman who set out before Christmas to purchase a turkey finally made it home on Monday, after being cut off by snow for a month. Kay Ure left the Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage on Cape Wrath, at the very northwest tip of Great Britain, in December. She was heading to Inverness on a shopping trip.

However on her return journey heavy snow and ice prevented her husband, John, from travelling the last 11 miles to pick her up. She was forced to wait a month in a friend’s caravan, before the weather improved and the couple could finally be reunited.

They were separated not just for Christmas and New Year, but also for Mr Ure’s 58th birthday. With no fresh supplies, he was reduced to celebrating with a tin of baked beans. He also ran out of coal, and had to feed the couple’s six springer spaniels on emergency army rations.

“It’s the first time we’ve been separated”, said Mr Ure in December. “We’ve been snowed in here for three weeks before, so we are well used to it and it’s quite nice to get a bit of peace and quiet.”

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Law Firm

Do I Really Need A Degree In Graphic Design To Start A Career?

By Brian Scott

High school students who are interested in a graphic design career may wonder if it’s essential to attend a college, university or design school to earn a degree or a certification in graphic design or liberal arts.

Although you may excel at sketching or painting (or other forms of artwork), or you can use Photoshop, Illustrator or Flash like an expert, many professionals advise beginners to attain a college degree or trade certificate.

Working as a graphic designer is not just about using your creativity with certain software packages. You need to know how to visually solve problems, as well as meet the needs and requirements of a client. A client or employer does not necessarily hire you to create something spectacular, but rather to sell the product, service or idea in a way that visually captivates the client’s target audience.

Attending a reputable graphic design school, university or college will help mold and shape you into a solid, versatile, knowledgeable graphic designer.

Although you could learn on your own, you will need to discipline yourself. The reason being: you will need to handle and learn about many roles of a graphic designer.

You will need to learn about design theory, typography (art and style of printing) as well as the history of art. Learning about the history of art will help you see for yourself what a good or bad design was, historically.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLhoBlCNI6w[/youtube]

Although you may find it difficult to prioritize these programs, you should realize a good graphic design program is all-encompassing: the syllabus has everything you need to learn to become an expert designer.

You may decide not to attend a graphic design school, university or college to obtain your degree or certificate, but you will miss out on many opportunities.

You could miss out on establishing important “inside” connections that will land your first job. Sometimes employers partner with schools, colleges or universities to solicit students for permanent employment or internships.

You will not be able to spend time with like-minded people — you will miss out on the teamwork side of training. This can be extremely important if a graphic design studio hires you. It is essential that you can work alongside others.

Also, attending a college or university offers a wealth of knowledge — classmates and teachers can answer all your questions. Plus, you can receive feedback on your work, as well as have your work critiqued. You will learn and grow a lot faster than if you study on your own.

If you learn graphic design by yourself, you may not make informed decisions if what you are producing is good or bad. Plus, you won’t be sure that you are on track, or that you have hit the mark during the progress of a design.

Many schools, colleges or universities will include hands-on work experience, where you spend time within the working confines of a graphic design business. This could help you in the future, and the company may offer you a position because you have finished your work experience training with them.

Many of these programs are aimed towards helping you to produce a good quality portfolio, which you can present to prospective employers in the future. Your portfolio can showcase your best work to sell your talents to any potential employer.

Although you can create your own portfolio if you train yourself — and you may fill it with the best design work possible — many employers will not consider a designer who does not have a degree in graphic design.

Even if you are good enough at what you do, a potential employer prefers to know that you understand the processes of graphic design completely. Employers also want to know that you will not have difficulty working with others, and more importantly, they want to know you understand the various aspects relating to design, including:

1.Design Principles

2.Art and style of printing (typography) 3.Color 4.The art of selling something to a target audience

As well as attaining a degree, many teachers at these schools, colleges or universities, provide students with a reference also. This will help any future employers know that you have a solid foundation of design skills and principles on which they can build and succeed in their chosen career.

About the Author: Visit Brian Scott’s website, FastCashDesign.com and learn about freelance graphic design and how to make money as a graphic designer .

Source: isnare.com

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Uncategorized

Explosion at University of Missouri-Columbia leaves four injured

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

An explosion at the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) on Monday afternoon left four people injured, authorities say.

The explosion occurred in a science laboratory in Schweitzer Hall around 2:20 p.m. CDT (1920 UTC) Monday. The source of the explosion was first thought to have been a 2,000-pound (907.2-kilogramme) hydrogen tank, but fire officials later said that this was not the case. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation by the Columbia Fire Department.

The Columbia Fire Department arrived at Schweitzer Hall after a report of a structure fire, but found that most of the fire had already been extinguished by the building’s fire sprinkler system. The remaining flames were put out by firefighters, one of whom said it looked as if “a bomb went off in the lab”.

Of the four hurt in the blast, one was a research scientist, one a graduate student, and the other two postdoctoral fellows. Three were treated for mild injuries and released from University Hospital, while the fourth was in good condition after being taken to the hospital’s burn unit for life-threatening injuries. A school spokesperson said that the university was not allowed to release the names of the victims.

Authorities initially believed that a large container of hydrogen gas had exploded, but investigators later said that the tank was intact. Fire officials also retracted an earlier statement that said the incident had been a result of human error. In a Monday night news release, the fire department said that lab workers had turned on the hydrogen but did not recognize warning signs indicating a dangerously high level of hydrogen gas in the lab, so they left the gas supply running. The report said the explosion occurred after the gas reached a source of ignition. However, the department said Tuesday that the investigation into the explosion is still ongoing and that they were not certain human error was the cause.

The investigation should determine the cost of repairs for the building, as well as whether the school should implement new procedures to avoid similar incidents in the future. The lab where the explosion took place will be totally rebuilt.

Schweitzer Hall houses Mizzou’s biochemistry department, which is part of the medical and agricultural programs. The building’s single classroom is located in the basement and was not in use at the time. The explosion happened on a third-story lab assigned to Judy Wall, a university professor, who was in her office across from the lab during the incident and referred inquiries to the news bureau. Other labs in the building were not disturbed, and Schweitzer Hall was established to be structurally sound, although nearly twenty windows had been shattered from the blast. The building reopened Tuesday for researchers to continue working.

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Uncategorized

Four British energy suppliers face investigation into claims of misselling

Sunday, September 5, 2010

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), the regulator of the electricity and gas markets in Great Britain, has launched an investigation into four of the largest British energy suppliers over suspicions that they not be complying with face-to-face and telephone sales regulations. The four organisations facing scrutiny could be fined up to 10% of their annual turnover if it is found that they are breaking sales regulations. Scottish Power, npower, Scottish and Southern Energy and EDF Energy are all to face questioning by the organisation.

Ofgem has urged customers of the four companies to alert the energy regulator, “if they are concerned about the sales approach any domestic suppliers have taken when selling energy contracts, either face-to-face or by telephone,” according to a statement. “As part of the investigation process Ofgem will examine any evidence of non-compliance and consider whether there are grounds for exercising enforcement powers.”

New regulations on sales tactics by energy suppliers were recently introduced, and, Ofgem has said, energy suppliers must be “proactive in preventing misselling to customers both face to face and over the phone. Also, if suppliers are selling contracts face to face they must provide customers with an estimate before any sales are concluded. In most circumstances customers should also receive a comparison of the supplier’s offer with their current deal.” Only one in five consumers consider energy suppliers to be trustworthy, and 61% of people feel intimidated by doorstep sales people from energy companies. According to the organisation Consumer Focus, “complaints have declined since new rules came into effect this year, but suppliers still seem to be flouting the rules. Some customers are still being given misleading quotes and information, which leave them worse off when they switch provider.”

The newspaper The Guardian has reported that “householders are reporting that sales agents working for the energy suppliers are giving them misleading information and quotes which leave them worse off when they switch supplier.” Consumer Focus has said that if energy companies continue to break the rules, they could be banned from doorstep-selling completely. The report goes on to say that “new figures from helpline Consumer Direct show that while the number of complaints has fallen since last year, about 200 cases of mis-selling are being reported each month.” However, Scottish Power said it insists on “the highest standards possible for all of our sales agents”, and npower told the Financial Times that it was “confident that the processes we have in place mean that we comply with our regulatory obligations”. EDF added that it was “fully compliant with all obligations regarding sales of energy contracts”.

According to the regulator, the obligations are serious and must be followed by energy supplies, or they will face “tougher sanctions than those available under more general consumer protection law.” Ofgem has published a guide advising consumers what they should do should an energy salesperson contact them in person of by telephone. Improper sales tactics are still common in the industry—in 2008 an Ofgem investigation found that 48% of gas customers and 42% of electricity customers were worse off after switching supplier on the doorstep. Npower was fined £1.8 million in 2008 by the organisation, and Ofgem insists that they are “committed to taking action” over improper sales activities by energy companies. “Suppliers have existing obligations to detect and prevent misselling and new licence conditions were brought in following our probe to further increase protection for customers,” said Andrew Wright, a Senior Partner of the regulator. “We expect all suppliers to comply with these tougher obligations but if our investigations find otherwise we will take strong action.”

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Head of energy at Consumer Focus, Audrey Gallacher, called the investigation “a welcome step … to address years of customers getting a bad deal on energy prices on their doorstep. While many doorstep sales people will do a good job, the pay and rewards system continues to encourage mis-selling, despite years of regulation and voluntary initiatives. If better advice for customers and enforcement of the tougher rules doesn’t end the flagrant abuse of this form of selling the big question will be whether it should be completely banned.” Christine McGourty, director of Energy UK, which represents the leading gas and electricity companies, said that “the companies involved will collaborate with the Ofgem investigation and are awaiting further details from the regulator. Any sales agent in breach of the code will be struck off the approved energy sales register.” Which? chief executive, Peter Vicary-Smith, has said he considers the situation “shocking”, saying that the investigation “will do nothing to improve consumer trust in energy suppliers. We’re pleased that Ofgem has promised tough measures against any firms guilty of mis-selling. We hope it uses this opportunity to tighten rules around telesales so they are in line with those for face to face sales.”

SNP Westminster Energy spokesperson Mike Weir MP, however, said that the investigation “does nothing to tackle the real problem of fuel prices which leave many Scots facing great difficulty in heating their homes … Rather than tinkering around the edges Ofgem should be looking at how to reduce prices for vulnerable households.” Gareth Kloet, Head of Utilities at Confused.com, one of the UK’s biggest and most popular price comparison services, also welcomed the inquiry. “It is unacceptable for energy companies to mislead customers like this,” he said, adding that Confused.com has previously “urged energy providers to either stop the practice of doorstep selling or make it very clear to households that better deals are available online. There is no reason why door-to-door salesmen can’t show people online deals and even help households switch to them.”

“Our research reveals customers could end up paying £167 more than they need to as door-to-door salesmen are unable to offer the discounts that are applied online. The changes that have been made to date are a welcome addition to safeguard customers; however this review has been much needed for a long time. Hopefully it will mark the end of customers being overcharged and missold,” Kloet continued. “Our message to energy consumers remains the same: they should shop around online to make sure they’re getting the best deal possible and turn these salesmen away.”

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Public Relations

How To Make Your Own Urban Survival Kit If You Work In The City

By Charles O’Neill

If you work in the city an urban survival kit is a must-have. What is it? It’s a small, unobtrusive kit that you can grab in case of emergency like a terrorist attack, pandemic outbreak, earthquake, building evacuation etc.

After 9/11 many people realize that being prepared is essential. It may make the difference between life and death in a disaster situation.

The problem is that you don’t want to look like a nutjob lugging a huge emergency backpack with 2 weeks of emergency food supplies to work with you everyday. Plus you probably take public transportation and work in an office so you don’t want anything that is too heavy or stands out.

So here’s what to do. Start with a small black camera/SLR/digital video bag, fanny pack or EMT pouch. If it has a few useable pockets all the better.

I prefer black, but if that color stands out in relation to it’s relative background (i.e. against your purse, laptop bag, carrier bag, etc) try and find one that is closer to that color instead.

This bag can be attached to your laptop bag, briefcase, or even your belt depending on what you are doing and wearing (I used a couple of karabiners to attach mine to a laptop bag). You want to make sure it’s big enough for what you’re going to put into it.

Here are a few things to put into your urban survival kit:

– Several small Ziploc type bags

– Disposable rain poncho (in a 4″ x 5″ package)

– Mylar emergency blanket (small)

– Waterproof matches

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MOUcetzK-g[/youtube]

– Small flashlight (one spare set of batteries too)

– Water purification tablets

– Collapsible water bottle (water bag)

– A couple of pens for writing

– Small note pad

– $30 to $50 in small bills including quarters

– Emergency ID card

– A couple of Energy bars (not chocolate bars)

– Copy of house key

– Portable wall charger for your cell phone

– Simple First Aid Kit

You might also need to add some additional things that are specific to you, such as medication, or feminine hygiene products.

The advantage to using a small discreet bag in an urban survival kit is that in an emergency most people won’t notice you grabbing a small bag quickly and heading out. Plus people on the street are less likely to notice it too.

The $30 to $50 in small bills is useful if ATMs are down and public transportation is out of the question. You can quickly grab a cab to get home. If you know it takes $40 to get home, you’re covered and way ahead of most people who won’t have cash on hand.

Also, if things get a little nuts, you can still use the cash to help get things or even ‘negotiate’ with someone.

Make sure to list the following on your emergency ID card:

– Your full name and cell phone number

– Any allergies or medical conditions you have

– Any medication and doses you take

– Your primary health care professional (Name, phone & office address)

– Your emergency contact people (Name & phone numbers)

Don’t use your home phone number, use a cell number.

Why not use your home phone number? If you put a copy of your house key in the urban survival kit, and you lose the kit, someone just needs to do a reverse look up on 411.com and get your current address. You might as well send out invitations to potential burglars.

Use the ziploc bags to hold your small bills, your emergency ID card, spare batteries, and house key. If you didn’t purchase a prepackaged First Aid kit, use another ziploc bag for that.

Remember to take as much of the air out of the ziploc bags as possible to reduce space. Place everything into your carrier. And away you go!

Also remember to check the expiry date of the your energy bars, I’d also recommend staying away from chocolate coated types, as they tend to melt in heat. Try and find a quality meal replacement bar that doesn’t have a lot of sugar so you can avoid the sugar spike and crash.

So those are a few tips on how to build your own small urban survival kit to have on hand. In case of emergency this kit can help you make it home to your loved ones quickly and safely.

About the Author: For more tips on urban survival visit Urban Survival Gear – a site helping you prepare for the worst if you live and work in the city. Or for more options for long term survival kits visit Survival Kits

Source: isnare.com

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Uncategorized

Iran to conduct missile defense exercise

Saturday, September 26, 2009

The Iranian government has announced that the nation will be participating in a missile defense test which could take place as early as tomorrow.

According to the IRNA, Iran’s official news agency, the test is an annual exercise aimed to “maintain and develop” defense capabilities of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

The exercise is named ‘Great Prophet 4’ and will involve shooting a variety of live missiles at targets. Reports say the drill will be conducted in several unknown locations and will last for several days. The exercise also falls on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

The announcement comes just hours after the Iranian government stated that the nation was building a second nuclear power facility. The announcement was made in a September 21 letter from the Iranian government to the United Nations Security Council that a second nuclear plant was being constructed in the city of Qom.

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